Meet the Team

Founder

First Steps Interventions, Inc. was founded in 2008 by Jenilee Acevedo-Medina, M.S., BCBA. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Florida International University with a minor in social work. She also received a Master of Science degree in applied behavior analysis from the same university. She created a small but powerful and effective team who share her dedication for creating lasting change in the lives of the children and families that have been affected by a developmental disability. Jenilee has been working in the field of behavioral intervention and autism since 2006 and has dedicated her life to maximizing her knowledge and skills to train therapists, caregivers and children. As the field of ABA grows in South Florida, Jenilee is putting First Steps Interventions, Inc. at the forefront of effective applied behavior analysis interventions.

Clinical Director

Our clinical director, Paloma Rodriguez, Ph.D., BCBA-D, supervises all clinical programs, and is in charge of the Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention program. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology at Florida State University, a Master of Science in applied behavior analysis at Florida Institute of Technology and a Doctor of Philosophy in developmental psychology from Florida International University. Her research focused on increasing the effectiveness of social reinforcers in young children with autism. Paloma has been working in the field of behavioral interventions since 2005 and autism since 2006. Paloma and Jenilee met while working in an ABA center and together found not only that they made an excellent team, but that there was more to ABA than discrete trial training. Paloma strives to make all interventions developmentally appropriate and functional.

Assistant Behavior Analysts

Alejandro Diaz, BCaBA, received his Bachelor of Science in psychology from Florida International University and has worked in the Developmental Lab and Behavior Analysis Lab at FIU. Since becoming certified, he assists our BCBAs in assessments, updating individualized programs and training incoming therapists. He is now working towards his Doctor of Philosophy in Developmental Psychology at Florida International University.

Elizabeth Morell, BCaBA, received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from Florida International University and has worked at First Steps for over 4 years. She has gained experience in various agencies from Saint Louis, MO to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Since becoming certified, she assists our BCBAs in assessments, updating of individualized programs and training incoming therapists.

Nataly Toro, BCaBA, received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from Florida International University and has worked at First Steps for 3 years. Since becoming certified, she assists our BCBAs in assessments and training incoming therapists. She is now working towards her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Florida International University.

Behavior Therapists

Our team of behavior therapists are all graduates or soon to be graduates of Florida International University's undergraduate behavior analysis program and have received extensive hands-on training prior to providing treatment. They are all gaining experience and preparing to take the board exam to receive their BCaBA (Behavior Certified assistant Behavior Analyst) certificate.